25 Best Men’s Leather Jackets

What’s the epitome of casual, rugged and refined cool? Easily wearable no matter who you are or what you have planned? The classic leather jacket. From Brando and Dean to Beckham, leather jackets in their various iterations are the widely accepted finishing touch for everything from a crisp white pocket tee to a grey henley to a chambray dress shirt and tie.

There’s a style out there for everyone, from rough-and-tumble moto jackets to bomber jackets to leather military jackets that add flair, form and function to your favorite style staples. And there’s perhaps no better time to break out a great leather jacket than early fall — it ditches the weight of your heavy winter parka but it can stand up to a bit of a chill as you crunch leaves underfoot. In the right fit — ideally slim and sharp — it can work in place of a blazer just as seamlessly as it can at a weekend rock concert.

Our picks for the best men’s leather jackets are detailed below, and trust us — you’re going to want to buy more than a few of these.

Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket in Whiskey Steerhide

This is the type of jacket that just jumps right off the page at you — it’s that stunning. Done up by Taylor Stitch in conjunction with the fine folks at Golden Bear, it’s based on an authentic, decades-old jacket — yet this piece has been updated for modern times, and that’s a very good thing indeed. It’s handmade in San Francisco, and features everything from an insulated diamond-quilted liner to YKK zipper hardware, not to mention that rich whiskey brown steerhide leather. It’s beautiful, it’s timeless and it’ll be the last leather jacket you need to buy. Make it a staple of every outfit you can dream up. – $1,075

Buck Mason Moto Jacket

The brand that makes your favorite T-shirts, essential denim and rugged henleys is back at it again — and in a big way. The new Moto Jacket from Buck Mason is a sight to behold, and then some. It’s the latest outerwear introduction from an American-made brand that gets things done the right way when it comes to terrific basics.

Built with heritage quality, the Moto Jacket is made in the States with 6oz. Calf hide leather in a crisp black colorway that’s all about downtown cool. With a belted front, slant hip pockets and all the bells and whistles of classic moto jackets, it’s your new go-to piece of outerwear this fall — and every season (and year) thereafter. Wear it with black denim and leather Chelsea boots for a slick look, or team it with a denim shirt and silver knit tie. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to styling. – Buy It

Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket

If you want a leather jacket that can absolutely do it all — and then some — reach for the stellar Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket. Made from hand-waxed and finished leather and featuring a snap collar and front pockets for plenty of storage space, it’s absolutely the right jacket to wear when you need a dependable finishing touch for a motorcycle ride. It’s built for the road yet stylish enough to work at the office or a concert, and with its great looks, you’ll want to wear it all those places and beyond — for the price, that’s versatility that can’t be beat. – $620

Schott Classic Racer Leather Motorcycle Jacket

From time to time, the very best and essential leather jackets need no introduction. That’s certainly the case with Schott, who continually ups the ante when it comes to dependable quality and style. The brand’s Classic Racer is a sleek example of what you want your next leather jacket to look like — it’s made from heavyweight, chrome-tanned leather for a soft feel and sleek look, and the slim silhouette gives it a rugged edge that simply can’t be topped. That goes for styling it with a short-sleeve henley in the summer, or a chambray shirt in the fall and winter — there’s no wrong way to style it. – $745

Roland Sands Ronin Black Ops Jacket

Roland Sands says that there isn’t a “sleeker, darker, retro-inspired jacket out there” than the Ronin Black Ops, and they just might be right. Down to the all-black zippers and detailing, it’s a super-slick update of the original style, and there’s no better time to wear it than during those first chilly days of fall. It features a reliable, functional and stylish rider fit, with pre-curved sleeves and the dependability and style. Right down to the rubberized black trims and subtle details like the suede leather interior trim, it’s style and functionality that you can absolutely count on for decades — and with that stellar quality, that’s no exaggeration. – $700

Buck Mason Bomber Jacket

How does one fill out a wardrobe already filled with classic, everyday menswear staples — you know, pieces like a crisp white tee or a rugged chambray shirt or slim black denim? With outerwear that’s equally versatile and just as ready for wherever your daily adventures take you. That’s what Buck Mason no doubt had in mind when it launched its Leather Bomber Jacket, just the latest in a long line of dialed-in, classic style essentials. The great part about Buck Mason gear is that any piece works in harmony with the rest of the brand’s offerings. – Buy It

Todd Snyder Leather Coach’s Jacket in Black

One part athletic-inspired, one part downtown cool and all around very stylish — that’s what you’re getting with this leather coach’s jacket from Todd Snyder. It’s the perfect mix of retro-inspired style and modern fabrication for which Snyder is so well-known, and that’s a very good thing if you’re looking for a leather jacket that can do it all. This piece should layer handsomely over everything from a crisp henley to a marled pocket tee to a classic white oxford and tie — and you should buy this jacket and try out each of those combos as soon as you can. – $895

Schott Perfecto Leather Motorcycle Jacket

When it comes to iconic leather jackets, Schott practically wrote the book. The Schott Perfecto is among a set of legendary silhouettes developed decades ago by the iconic brand, and they’ve got some serious staying power. This particular jacket is still designed and made right in America using the brand’s classic attention to detail and rugged style — it’s nearly the definition of the perfect leather jacket, and the best part is that you can snag it for under a grand. It’ll more than make up for that initial cost, with quality and longevity that’s known worldwide. What are you waiting for? Your new fall jacket is here. – $760

Banana Republic Leather Moto Jacket

This leather jacket is definitely a change of pace from the Banana Republic of days gone by, and that’s a very good thing for discerning menswear fans indeed. Consider your search for a rich brown leather jacket over, thanks to this sharp moto style that’s able to pair up seamlessly with everything from dark grey denim to navy chinos. Featuring a slim fit, an asymmetrical zipper and minimal detailing, it’s sleek, stylish and rugged — everything you should be looking for in a standout leather jacket. Feel free to pair it with a white Oxford and a navy knit tie, or your favorite worn-in crewneck sweatshirt. – $550

Coach Washed Leather Stinger Jacket

While a plain brown or black leather jacket is a standout style any way you slice it, there’s something to be said for a jacket that switches things up a bit (or a lot). The Washed Leather Stinger Jacket is that piece, with a patchwork design made from premium dark saddle leather. The pops of color are accented by hardware that’s anything but delicate — if you plan to wear the heck out of your leather jacket this fall (which you certainly should), rest assured that this piece can take on anything from dark raw denim and Chelsea boots to dressy brown leather sneakers and wool trousers. – $1,500

Bonobos Leather Bomber Jacket

It should come as no surprise that a brand that excels at extremely wearable, everyday staples like chambray shirts, Oxfords and chinos can also do one heck of a leather jacket. This bomber jacket is slick as can be, with a slim fit and a warm flannel liner to keep you cool when things get chilly this season. The great thing about the versatility of this jacket is that it would reliably pair well with everything from Glen plaid suit trousers and black chukka boots to your favorite set of inky blue selvedge denim. Don’t sleep on it too long — a great leather bomber jacket is a fall essential. – $798

Rogue State Distressed Moto Jacket

On occasion, not every leather jacket has to be prohibitively expensive. In fact, this Rogue State Distressed Moto Jacket is the epitome of affordable, rugged and versatile style — it’s everything you want in a leather jacket and then some. Featuring a slim fit and two chest zipper pockets, it’s pre-worn for a lived-in, rugged and tough look. Although it’s sharp enough to function as a blazer in a pinch, it would perhaps work best with other simple, classic basics — think a heather grey pocket tee and slim black denim for your next rock concert, or bar crawl. – $130

Belstaff Weybridge Jacket

Belstaff’s impeccable heritage and knack for making stunning, heirloom-worthy pieces is second to none. And when it comes to recognizable and exceptionally wearable pieces like the brand’s Weybridge Jacket, that’s particularly true. With the brand’s signature attention to detail, it’s got the durability you need in all the right places, from the fitted body to the sturdy front zip chest pockets and covered zipper. It’s available in a range of colors, but the rich black-and-brown shade seen here should work admirably. The slim fit and quilted sleeve and shoulder detailing make it moto-ready, but for that price, you should certainly rock it in as many different style situations as possible. – $1,995

Billy Reid Leather Field Jacket

Leave it to Billy Reid to design a jacket that harness rugged Americana style and his own Southern sensibilities with premium, made-in-Italy construction. That’s exactly what you’re getting when it comes to his stunning, stylish Leather Field Jacket — and for fans of high-class style, that’s a very good thing indeed. Made from a rich tobacco suede, it could just be the best jacket you own should you decide to pick it up — and hopefully, that decision isn’t too hard. Rock this jacket with black Chelsea boots and dark blue denim for a study in contrasts, and wear it often this season. – $1,295

Bellstaff Speedmaster 2016 Jacket

If ever there was a jacket that’s reputation precedes itself, the Belstaff Speedmaster is that jacket. It’s a stunning, jaw-dropping style that’ll carry you through changing seasons with ease, featuring a strong military silhouette, six external pockets and a belted front for extra functionality and a touch of fashion. It’s the perfect kind of jacket to wear the next time you hop on your motorcycle or hit the trail — or heck, head into the office. The Speedmaster is certainly an heirloom-quality piece with all kinds of potential for transitional style combinations — we’re talking everything from a textured denim shirt and wool tie to a long-sleeve henley. – $1,950

Todd Snyder Dean Jacket in Black

Just as with his collaboration efforts with everyone from P.F. Flyers to Timex, Todd Snyder harnesses the best of the past with the current and modern. Such is the case with the Dean Jacket, made from premium calfskin and featuring a decidedly sharp moto silhouette that’s the epitome of downtown cool. It would pair perfectly with a pair of olive high-top sneakers from the recent Todd snyder + P.F. Flyers collaboration, and it would look particularly stylish as a complement to beat-up black chukka boots and grey denim on nearly any day of the week. Match it up with a grey chambray shirt for a monochromatic look, too. – $995

J.Crew Italian Leather Studded Motorcycle Jacket

It’s easy to channel your inner badass in a rip-roaring leather moto jacket — particularly one that’s cut slim from black Italian leather. J. Crew might not be the first brand that comes to mind when it comes to a sharp leather jacket, but that’s not to say they don’t get the style right (and then some). This number features a belted waist, military-style epaulets and that classic asymmetrical zipper that’s a hallmark of cool leather jackets. Invest in this piece now, and wait for the compliments to roll in every time you wear it — which should be as much as you can. – $995

Abercrombie & Fitch Leather Moto Jacket

If at first you thought of Abercrombie & Fitch as the brand slinging baggy cargo shorts, think again. Pieces like this handsome leather moto jacket reinforce the brand’s overhaul in the past year (and us menswear fans have former Club Monaco menswear head Aaron Levine to thank for that). It’s cut slim in a crisp, sharp racer silhouette — it’s the type of jacket that’s going to class up just about any look you can assemble, particularly if it features other classic staples like a white Oxford. With a two-way zipper and front pockets, it’s got subtle visual details that add just enough interest to a clean and classic look. – $500

Belstaff Archer Biker Jacket

Leave it to Belstaff to keep churning out stylish, heritage-quality essentials in modern cuts — especially when it comes to the Archer Biker Jacket. It’s a clean, simple and classic design that’s ultra-slick, featuring an investment-worthy price tag (and versatile styling potential to go along with it). It’s crafted from hand-waxed leather and features antique brass hardware — it’s certainly one handsome piece that would look right at home with a slim grey pocket tee, your favorite henley or a rugged denim shirt. The vintage cafe racer style is timeless, durable and essential for this fall and well beyond that. – $1,395

Frank and Oak Leather Moto Jacket in Black

Frank and Oak is back at it again with another style that perfectly reflects the brand’s penchant for producing essential pieces that balance minimal design with classic looks. This leather moto jacket is no different, with quilted detailing, a belted stand collar and other zipper detailing that give it a vibe that’s equal parts rugged, rock-ready and dressy. You can’t beat that combination of versatility and toughness, and that’s essential when shopping for a leather jacket. Wear this to the bar, wear this to the office with a slim dress shirt, wear this with your best pair of indigo denim — there’s certainly no wrong way to go. – $495

Theory Leather Jacket

Sometimes, the best leather jackets eschew bells and whistles and opt for minimal, straightforward style that goes with just about everything in your closet. That’s certainly the case with this leather jacket, made from lambskin leather and featuring a two-way zipper that’ll add a dash of daring to a broken-in pair of black jeans and slick suede Chelsea boots. It’s definitely a piece that’s worth the extra cash, particularly when you consider that you can use it as a sharp, slightly rebellious replacement for an unstructured navy blazer if the time is right. And the rest of the time? It’ll do just fine layered up over a broken-in crewneck sweater. – $995

L.L. Bean Flying Tiger Jacket

From the heritage-inspired design team at L.L. Bean comes a classic jacket that’s just as well-built and sturdy as any of the brand’s rugged boot offerings. Inspired by the silhouette originally worn by fighter pilots in World War II, this stunner of a jacket features quality details and versatile styling potential galore, made with a Merino wool lining and a body that’s crafted from premium goatskin. Complete with a shearling collar, this is one jacket that’s badass and classic at the same time. Layer it over a slim flannel shirt for warmth and rugged appeal, or with a crisp blue Oxford for more classic style. – $399

Ralph Lauren Indigo-Dyed leather Jacket

Perhaps the price on this piece is just a bit cost-prohibitive — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth admiring in its own right. It’s every bit the limited-edition, heritage-quality piece one has come to expect from Ralph Lauren’s stunning (and pricey) RRL line. It’s made from supple, vegetable-tanned leather that’s accented by a multi-stage process resulting in that rich indigo hue seen here. Like a rugged denim jacket or indigo sneakers, this jacket will evolve over time with you, breaking in handsomely and stylishly. Don’t be afraid to pair it with everything from rugged dark denim to black jeans and of course, your best suit trousers. – $2,400

Frank and Oak Leather Bomber Jacket in Burgundy

Switch things up from the everyday with a handsome, refined and classic leather jacket done in a rich burgundy color. The ribbed trim, athletic cut and timeless bomber jacket silhouette are exactly the sort of finishing touches one expects from that can do just about everything very well (and very stylishly). This particular shade of burgundy is a stylistic change of pace from what you might expect, and the quilted lining gives it an added degree of durability and style, fit for layering up over an Oxford or a henley this fall — and well beyond that, thanks to the standout durability, detail and quality for the price. – $495

J. Crew Buttoned Suede Bomber Jacket

Not every leather jacket has to be dark black or deep brown — in fact, this caramel-colored iteration from J. Crew is a very reliable alternative should you be looking to fill your closet with a leather jacket this season. It features unique design details like contrasting ribbed cuffs, a button front and a stand-up collar — with touches like that, it should serve as a sharp, slick replacement for your typical blazer. Pair it with other casual fall style staples like a slim crewneck sweater or a brushed flannel and consider yourself set for the season — and plenty of adventures ahead. – $995

Johnston & Murphy Lightweight Lamb Double-Collar Jacket

In addition to its impressive and well-crafted line of classic men’s footwear, Johnston and Murphy also gets it right when it comes to durable, heritage-inspired men’s outerwear. This luxurious lambskin leather coat is a prime example of that commitment to craft, what with style details like a neat double collar and USA-made construction that simply can’t be topped. This is a dressy leather jacket fit for special occasions, and what’s great about the style is that it would handsomely complement a pair of Johnston & Murphy shoes, too.If that’s not enough, know that it’s built to last and should fit right into any stylish ensemble you can think of. – $1,050

Beau Hayhoe is a menswear PR pro and freelance style writer based in
Brooklyn, NY. An alumnus of Michigan State University, Beau also runs and edits The Style Guide, a personal menswear blog. Beau writes regularly for several online publications, and his work has also appeared on Dappered and Genteel Flair. He can often be found shopping or enjoying a great craft brew around NYC.